(October 13, 2021 at 11:46 am)Brian37 Wrote: As much as Shatner deserves this moment, I think it should be said, that while his art of acting, as much of a master he is, I'd still argue that if Carl Sagan or Neil DeGrasse Tyson took his place, it would be more fitting.
With all the various billionaire rocket launches in the past year, there were other passengers whom were scientists and better "firsts".
But regardless, I really hate media calling them astronauts. That is like arguing you are a pilot of a passenger jet because you bought first class ticket.
I am really happy for Shatner. But if everything is remote control, and you are merely along for the ride, you are a passenger.
It is great that he did what he did. And even in acting, I love the original Star Trek for it's value of diversity, and especially his cameos on The Big Bang Theory.
On reflection, Sagan (were he still alive) would have been a very inappropriate choice, and probably would have turned down the invite - he wasn’t a fan of manned space travel.
Boru
‘I can’t be having with this.’ - Esmeralda Weatherwax